AP Accommodations in Berkeley, California
College Board Documentation That Gets Your Berkeley High Student the Support They Need
Junior year is approaching fast, and your Berkeley High student needs AP accommodations to show their true potential.
But navigating College Board's complex documentation requirements feels overwhelming, especially when you're racing against testing deadlines.
At Mind Matters, we specialize in comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations that meet the College Board's strict standards for AP exam accommodations. Dr. Rebecca Murray-Metzger understands exactly what documentation the College Board requires and how to present your child's learning profile in a way that secures the extended time, breaks, or other supports they need.
Located right on Telegraph Avenue, we've helped countless Berkeley students get the AP accommodations they deserve. Our neurodiversity-affirming approach ensures your teen's evaluation captures their full potential while meeting every College Board requirement for successful accommodation approval.
College Board AP accommodations require specific documentation that goes far beyond a simple diagnosis.
Our comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations provide the detailed cognitive and academic testing College Board demands, along with clear evidence of how your student's learning differences impact their performance under standard testing conditions.
Dr. Murray-Metzger conducts thorough assessments that examine processing speed, working memory, attention, and academic achievement, the core areas the College Board reviews when approving accommodations. We document not just what challenges your Berkeley High student faces, but exactly how these challenges manifest during high-stakes testing situations like AP exams.
Our evaluation reports include specific recommendations for accommodations like extended time, frequent breaks, or alternative test formats, backed by comprehensive data that satisfies College Board's evidence requirements. We handle the technical aspects of documentation while helping your family understand your teen's learning profile and how accommodations will help them succeed.
The entire process typically takes 2-3 weeks from initial appointment to final report, giving you the documentation needed to submit accommodation requests well before College Board's deadlines. We also provide guidance on the submission process and can clarify any questions about your student's approved accommodations.
Get Your AP Accommodations Documentation
Key Benefits
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Getting AP accommodations isn't just about having a diagnosis, the College Board requires specific types of testing and documentation that many evaluations simply don't provide. Our comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations are designed specifically to meet College Board's stringent requirements, including detailed cognitive testing, academic achievement measures, and clear evidence of functional impairment during testing situations.
Dr. Murray-Metzger has extensive experience with the College Board's accommodation process and knows exactly what evaluators look for when reviewing requests. We provide the specific test scores, diagnostic criteria, and impact statements that separate approved applications from denied ones. Berkeley families trust us because our documentation consistently results in successful accommodation approvals.
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Junior year timing is critical for AP accommodations, and Berkeley High's rigorous academic schedule makes proper planning essential. We understand the pressure Berkeley students face with multiple AP courses and college preparation, which is why we prioritize efficient evaluation scheduling that works with your family's timeline.
Our Telegraph Avenue location makes it convenient for Berkeley High families to complete evaluations without disrupting school schedules. We offer flexible appointment times and can often accommodate urgent requests when students need documentation for upcoming AP registration deadlines. The sooner we complete your evaluation, the more time you have to submit accommodation requests and prepare for approved testing conditions.
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While AP accommodations might be your immediate need, our evaluation provides insights that benefit your Berkeley student throughout high school and into college. Understanding your teen's learning profile helps with course selection, study strategies, and college planning – crucial advantages for navigating Berkeley High's competitive academic environment.
Dr. Murray-Metzger's strengths-based approach helps students understand how their brain works best, building confidence alongside securing accommodations. Many Berkeley families discover that evaluation insights improve their teen's overall academic performance, not just their AP test scores. This comprehensive understanding becomes invaluable during college applications and transition planning.
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Operating right in Berkeley gives us unique insight into the specific challenges Berkeley High students face and how accommodations can address them. Dr. Murray-Metzger regularly collaborates with Berkeley Unified School District and understands how AP accommodations coordinate with existing 504 plans or IEPs that Berkeley students might already have.
Our local presence means we're familiar with Berkeley High's AP program structure, testing schedules, and the additional supports available to students with accommodations. We can provide guidance on how your approved accommodations will work practically within Berkeley High's system and help you advocate for consistent support across all your student's AP courses.
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Getting approved accommodations is just the first step, we provide ongoing support to ensure your Berkeley student actually receives their approved support. This includes helping you understand accommodation approval letters, troubleshooting any implementation issues with testing coordinators, and providing advocacy support when needed.
If questions arise about how accommodations work during actual AP testing, we're available for consultation. We also offer follow-up services to address any concerns that emerge as your student progresses through additional AP courses or prepares for college-level accommodations. Our goal is successful long-term support, not just documentation.
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Our evaluation process focuses on your Berkeley student's strengths while documenting areas where accommodations are needed. Rather than pathologizing learning differences, we help students understand their unique cognitive profile and how accommodations level the playing field rather than provide unfair advantages.
This approach is particularly important for Berkeley High students who may feel stigmatized about needing accommodations or worry about their academic capabilities. Dr. Murray-Metzger's theater background and clinical expertise help students feel comfortable during testing while building genuine understanding of their learning strengths and accommodation needs.
Service Categories
Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluations for AP Accommodations
Complete cognitive and academic assessment designed specifically to meet the College Board's documentation requirements. Includes IQ testing, processing speed assessment, attention evaluation, and academic achievement testing with detailed recommendations for specific AP exam accommodations.
Focused ADHD/Learning Difference Evaluations
Targeted assessments for Berkeley students who need documentation of specific conditions affecting AP test performance. Streamlined evaluation process for students with clear diagnostic questions who need College Board-compliant documentation quickly.
IQ Testing for Gifted AP Students
Specialized cognitive assessment for Berkeley High students in advanced placement courses who may be twice-exceptional (gifted with learning differences). Provides documentation for accommodations while identifying intellectual strengths and academic potential.
Parent Guidance for AP Accommodation Planning
Consultation services for Berkeley families navigating the accommodation process. Includes timeline planning, College Board requirement explanation, and strategic guidance for students approaching AP testing years.
Evaluation Follow-up and Advocacy Support
Ongoing support for families who have completed evaluations, including assistance with accommodation implementation, school meeting advocacy, and troubleshooting accommodation issues during actual AP testing.
Our Process
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
We begin with a detailed discussion about your Berkeley student's specific challenges and AP accommodation needs. Dr. Murray-Metzger reviews any existing documentation, explains College Board requirements, and creates a customized evaluation plan that ensures we gather all necessary information within your timeline.
2. Comprehensive Testing Sessions
Your student completes thorough cognitive and academic testing designed to meet College Board's specific documentation standards. Testing is conducted in a comfortable, supportive environment with breaks as needed. We assess processing speed, working memory, attention, and academic skills that directly impact AP test performance.
3. Report Preparation and Documentation
Dr. Murray-Metzger analyzes all test results and prepares a comprehensive report that clearly documents your student's learning profile and accommodation needs. The report includes specific College Board-compliant language and detailed recommendations for AP exam accommodations.
4. Results Review and Submission Support
We schedule a detailed feedback session to review evaluation results and accommodation recommendations with your family. We provide guidance on submitting accommodation requests to the College Board and answer questions about the approval process.
5. Ongoing Accommodation Support After College
Board approves accommodations, we remain available for consultation about implementation, advocacy support with schools, and guidance about college-level accommodations as your Berkeley student prepares for their next academic phase.
Our Approach
At Mind Matters, we believe every Berkeley High student deserves the opportunity to demonstrate their true academic potential on AP exams.
Our approach combines rigorous psychological assessment with deep understanding of College Board's accommodation requirements, ensuring your student receives both comprehensive evaluation and practical documentation that actually works.
Dr. Murray-Metzger brings over 20 years of experience in educational assessment, with specialized training in the neurodevelopmental evaluations that form the foundation of successful accommodation requests. Her question-driven methodology means every aspect of testing directly addresses College Board's documentation requirements while providing meaningful insights about your student's learning profile.
We recognize that Berkeley families often feel pressure to navigate complex accommodation processes while maintaining their student's academic momentum. Our streamlined evaluation process respects your time constraints while ensuring a thorough assessment. Located conveniently on Telegraph Avenue, we minimize disruption to your Berkeley student's school schedule while providing the comprehensive documentation College Board requires.
Our neurodiversity-affirming philosophy helps students understand that accommodations provide equal access rather than unfair advantage. This perspective is crucial for Berkeley High students who may feel conflicted about seeking support in a competitive academic environment. We help families see learning differences as variations in brain style that come with both challenges and strengths, building confidence alongside securing necessary accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mind Matters has served Berkeley families for years from our Telegraph Avenue location, specializing in comprehensive evaluations that help neurodivergent students thrive academically. Dr. Rebecca Murray-Metzger brings over 20 years of experience in educational assessment with particular expertise in College Board accommodation requirements.
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Ideally, begin evaluations during sophomore year or early junior year. The College Board requires accommodation requests 13 weeks before AP testing, but evaluations take 2-3 weeks to complete. Starting early ensures you have documentation ready for all AP courses your student might take during junior and senior year.
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College Board requires comprehensive psychological or psychoeducational evaluations conducted by licensed professionals. The evaluation must include cognitive testing, academic achievement assessment, and clear evidence of how your student's condition impacts their performance under standard testing conditions. Simple diagnosis letters are not sufficient.
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While existing 504 plans help support your accommodation request, College Board requires additional comprehensive testing beyond typical school-based evaluations. Our assessments build on existing documentation while providing the detailed cognitive and academic data College Board specifically requires.
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AP accommodations from College Board work alongside any existing school supports your Berkeley student receives. We coordinate with Berkeley High's accommodations team to ensure consistency between classroom supports and testing accommodations, providing seamless support across all academic settings.
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While our documentation consistently results in successful approvals, the College Board does have an appeals process for denied requests. We provide guidance on appeals and can clarify documentation if additional information is needed. Starting with comprehensive evaluation significantly reduces the likelihood of initial denial.
Secure Your Berkeley Student's AP Success
Get College Board documentation that actually works